Keith Lee reflects on his journey into TikTok before a potential ban

Keith Leethe beloved and influential food critic, recently spoke about his remarkable journey online as a US prospect Tik Tok Ban looms.

From his humble beginnings to becoming a trusted voice for small businesses and TikTok users, Lee shared how the app changed his life and allowed him to connect with millions around the world. In Lee’s sincere style, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make his dream a reality.

While TikTok users in the US wait anxiously to find out if the app will still be around or disappear on Sunday, January 19, many creators are saying goodbye to the app, just in case.

For viral TikToker Reminiscing and taking a short trip down memory lane to share some good times was his way of saying goodbye to TikTok and all his followers if the app goes dark.

“All the news going around about TikTok, I think it’s time to talk about it. So let’s talk about it,” he began his video. “I just want to start by saying if it’s not real and we’re here after the 19th, regardless, that message still stands. This community, and when I say community, I don’t say that lightly, has changed my entire life.”

He continued his video by explaining that “the lives of countless, countless families have been affected.” He then listed a few of the people he has been able to help with his nutritional reviews.

for me He named some of the heartwarming stories he was able to help create.

He said: “A woman who was a teacher for 20 years was able to retire after 24 hours of review.” “A husband and father who dreamed of owning a restaurant was diagnosed with tongue cancer right after he got his restaurant. Before he passed away, he was able to see his restaurant flourish, something he had dreamed of his whole life.”

His list continued to shout out the owner of a banana pudding shop in Texas, and how she was able to open a second location. Lee also talked about the pizza shop in Vegas that was “about to close, literally a week after closing” and how it’s still open two and a half years later. He also said that Cleo’s in Chicago “went from one location to three.”

He continued: “And these are just the five that come to my mind. Their number exceeds hundreds.” “This is a mission that I believe in with all my heart. God has given me this, and nothing or anyone will stop me from doing it.”

for me He said that no matter what happens to any app, “we stand with all of you.” He reminded his followers that his name is the same on all his other social media channels, and shared that he has “huge news” that he can’t “get into yet.”

As with all of Lee’s videos, his loyal followers took to the comments section to share their support, gratitude, and love for everything he does.

“You’ve changed so many people’s lives with this app, and I pray we continue to see you make a difference,” one viewer wrote. Another said, “Thank you Keith. God used your gift of connection and compassion to help people. This is the meaning of life when we use our gifts and testimonies to help and bless others. This is true community.”

“You are the good people of TikTok who are making a difference in the world,” one viewer added.

Several other people wondered if Lee would move to RedNote in the future, though he hasn’t responded to that yet.

Lee, 28, recently opened up to the people About how the app helped him deal with anxiety and depression. He explained that his reviews not only help restaurants and small business owners, but also help him.

When comparing a video from when he was 18 to now, he credited TikTok for the differences.

“I think TikTok played a pivotal role in that, and the people of TikTok,” he said. “I am forever grateful to them.”

He also credits his family, his wife Ronnie and their children Carter and Riley, for helping him overcome seasonal depression and anxiety.

“Without them, I don’t think I would be able to cope as much as I do or have as many tools to make it better as I have,” he said.

Friday, for me He took to TikTok to share an old video to show his progress on the app.

The video shows Lee preparing dinner for his wife while she was taking care of their child. He would respond to the comment, “Why do you cook, why can’t your mother help you,” with a “teachable moment” where he could “give away some knowledge.”

It didn’t take long for viewers to fill the comments section.

“This all started from someone who hates comments? Look how this happened WOW!!” one person wrote. Another added: “We made the right person famous.. God bless you Keith!!”

The love and support did not stop there.

“Incredible growth. Grateful for your faith and hard work,” one person shared. Another said: “Thank you for being here Keith and thank you for all the great content.”